This years birthday updates are brought to you from Brisbane, Australia where I have been living the past few months! Twenty-eight was a big year for me. Finally, I was able to go to Egypt and see the pyramids that I’ve been dreaming of since I was a child. I was meant to go in 2009 but the plan was interrupted due to conflict. It was disappointing but I’m glad I was finally able to make it there. Better late than never!

I could stare at the pyramids forever

I also made the move to Australia. A dream that I’ve had since I was in my early twenties. I’m glad that I finally took the plunge because it definitely would have been something that bothered me to miss out on.

Part of me still feels the burn of not living in New York. I don’t think that open wound will ever close.

Moving abroad for a year taught me some things about friendship. So many of my friends tried to stay in touch with me while I’m gone. Whereas other friends I couldn’t even get in contact with when I tried. People who want you in their life make the effort to keep you there.

For my birthday, my coworkers planned a barbeque for myself and another co-worker with a similar birthday. It was honestly much more kindness than I expected.

I feel like I’m supposed to say that I’m dreading my 30thbirthday or something like that but I’m really not. I’m looking forward to my 30s. I did a lot in my twenties travel-wise (Not so much career-wise). I’m looking forward to continuing to build a life around travel. Besides, I feel like I’m 23 years old anyway.

Finally got my certifications!!

In my 20s, I sorted out my friendships. I kept relationships with my high school friends going strong. Who says you can’t keep friends forever? I also met a lot of great friends through work. I found a partner who supports all my wild ideas in life. He did join me in Australia after all.

I lived in a van while in Australia. It is the best way to live. You can go anywhere anytime. It’s so freeing.

During my twenties, I worked long hours and often I worked two jobs at once. I did this for the sake of creating travel funds. Part of me wants to end that in my 30s. But, we will see because I’m not going to travel any less. Ideally, I’ll spend the next year creating a life that involves enough money to travel without working 60 hours a week. If anyone has any tips for that, let me know.

I want to somehow find a way to go to Antarctica for my 30thbirthday. It will be very difficult given that I’ve been travelling for most of the prior year but I’m fairly determined. One of my bucket list items is to visit all of the continents by 30. But, I will count it if it happens before 31 years old. Mostly because I don’t know when the best time of year to go is. And I want the trip to be special. So, I’m willing to do it a few months late. If anyone knows a cheap way of getting there hook me up!

Well, that’s all for these birthday updates. I can’t wait to see what my next year will bring.

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Before we talk about getting your scuba dive certification you should know that this page may contain affiliate links. This means, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you purchase something through a link. I only give product recommendations for things I enjoy. Please feel free to check out my full policy/disclaimers!

Getting scuba dive certified has been on my bucket list since the dawn of time. Or at least since I found out about it. With a name like Arielle and all of the misplaced mermaid jokes that come with it you pretty much have to be into the ocean.

Once I finally made the decision to get a Working Holiday Visa in Australia, getting scuba dive certified jumped up on my list of priorities. Of course, I need to dive in the Great Barrier Reef. So, in February I got my PADI Open Water Dive Certification while on a trip to Indonesia. If you’ve always wanted to get scuba dive certified, this is how you do it!

While both courses are comparable, I chose PADI because they offer a variety of different little certifications that you can complete in your diving future. With diving, you should be aiming to do a dive every six months to maintain your skills. For my partner and I, we liked having the option to plan dive trips around doing further certifications. For example, on our upcoming Great Barrier Reef trip, we plan to get our Advanced Open Water. SSI does offer some extended courses as well.

Both dive programs have numerous shops around the world. No matter which you choose you’ll be able to find dive shops in most destinations. Personally, I like using PADI’s Dive Shop Locator Tool. This will let you know if a dive shop is actually accredited by PADI. Now that I am PADI certified, I plan to only dive with PADI accredited dive shops.

To me, SSI seems like more of a casual diver program. However, I wanted diving to be important in my life. This was one of my deciding factors.

Seeing turtles never gets old!

Diving Skills

Completion of a Divers Medical form is necessary before you begin any dive training. There are some health conditions that might exclude you from diving. For some medical conditions, you may have to get medically cleared by a doctor. As such, it is a good idea to review this form before planning and booking any dive trips.

From here on, I can only speak in terms of the PADI Open Water as this the only diving course I have completed. In order to successfully get certified, you will have to demonstrate a series of skills.

PADI offers an online theory component that you will complete before day one. This includes basic information on scuba diving safety, using diving charts, and more. You will have to pass an exam at the end. This course can be done in a day or two but it is important to take it seriously as it will keep you safe in the water.

I got my PADI certification through a three-day course and I mainly chose this because the timing worked well for my trip’s schedule. I didn’t want to be too rushed but I also didn’t want it to keep me from exploring Bali. However, some dive shops offer longer courses with the dives spaced out across more days. If you have found that you experience scuba diving related anxiety, a longer timeframe might be beneficial.

On the three-day certification, the first official day of diving begins in the pool. During this confined water portion, you will be asked to demonstrate a series of skills.

Firstly, you will need to demonstrate that you can swim 200 metres. There is no time limit so take your time. Secondly, you will need to be able to tread water for 10 minutes. Both of these aren’t overly challenging but if you are rusty like I was, they can be a bit exerting.

On day one, you go over a variety of different divers’ skills. In order to successfully complete the course, you need to demonstrate each of these. Some of the skills include setting up your own dive equipment, clearing your mask/taking off and replacing your mask while underwater, controlling your buoyancy and various safety skills. The details of all of the skills you will have to complete are listed here.

On day 2 and 3, you will move to the ocean. Here you will re-do some of the skills from the pool day while in the ocean.

Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat, wouldn’t you think my collection is complete?

My Experience with Anxiety During my Scuba Dive Certification:

As your instructors will tell you, diving messes with your brain a little bit. You normally can’t breathe underwater. This makes your brain feel a little off at first. However, if you breathe through that initial feeling then diving is wonderful.

Despite desiring to get scuba dive certified since my youth, I experienced some unexpected anxiety regarding some of the skills. Mainly, mask removal and replacement. The first time we did this underwater, I was fine. However, when we had to do a swim without the mask and then replace it, I panicked. I don’t know changed.

For some reason, taking my mask off underwater makes me feel like I am suddenly going to die. I got certified with my partner and one of our friends. But, I was the only one in our group who seemed to struggle with this task. I was paranoid that I would be the only one who doesn’t get certified. This definitely didn’t help my anxiety.

How I worked through my anxiety:

In order to work my way through this, I pinched my nose. I took a few deep breaths while I adjusted to the feeling. I kept my nose pinched until the last possible moment of putting my mask back on. In this way, I was able to get through it. I had to do a lot of reassuring myself that I am not going to drown and that my dive instructor is trained in handling anxiety under the seas. I read a lot about other people struggling with this particular skill. At the end of this post, I’ve listed some of the other resources I read that helped me cope.

However, I did it! I worked through my apprehension and was able to get dive certified. It is okay if you find that you are struggling with the skill. It is a tough one.

I’m okay!

Since I know that I feel panicked without my mask, I do plan to practice taking it off and on during further dives. The only way to get better is practice. One of the most important things that you can do with diving is to make reactions automatic. For example, one of the skills is to take out your regulator, throw it away, and put it back in. Practicing this helps it become something you can casually do in the event it does happen. It might, another diver might accidentally knock it out. Or, my nightmare, your mask strap might break.

And remember, the number one rule of diving is to breathe. If ever you find yourself feeling a bit anxious, take a few deep breaths. It also has helped me to spot an interesting fish and put all of my thoughts on visually following the fish through its movements.

During your dive certification, there is no need to rush. Take your time and breathe.

Other Common Diving Anxieties

Running out of air: This is a very common diving anxiety. It makes sense to be worried about running out of air. However, as my dive instructor said, “You would have to be really stupid to have this happen. I’ve never seen it happen.” Another diver that I’ve spoken with said that in over 1000 dives, she has only seen one real-life running out of air emergency. This is a totally valid fear but, no one wants it to happen. Dives are planned to avoid this situation. You will have an air monitor attached to you that you can easily monitor. On all guided dives that I’ve done the leader asks us how much air we have left throughout the dive. If this is a very large concern for you, then plan guided dives after certification.

Other divers: It’s true, another diver might accidentally kick you and knock your mask off or knock your regulator out. That’s why you are practicing these things so much in your scuba dive certification process. The more you practice the easier this will be to fix. You’ll never be diving alone.

Claustrophobia: Some people feel claustrophobic under the ocean. If this is happening to you, breathe. Find a fish and visually follow the fish.

Never plan a dive that you are uncomfortable with. Even if your friends really want to do it, you don’t have to. Put your own comfort first. If you ever do find yourself getting in your head, find a fish. Imagine an entire life for that little Nemo. And most importantly breathe! I cannot stress that enough. Taking deep breaths is the best way to keep your body functioning under the sea.

If you are feeling anxious, signal your buddy and take a minute to breathe with their support. You’re not alone down there. But also, remember that diving isn’t for everyone. It is definitely okay if you try it out and find you hate it. You don’t have to continue if it really just isn’t for you.

See how common it is to feel anxious about the mask clearing skill? It is definitely normal and doesn’t need to stop you from diving. But you better believe that I am buying a properly fitted mask to limit water ever getting in!

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Before we talk about Australian Working Holiday Visas you should know that this page may contain affiliate links. This means, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you purchase something through a link. I only give product recommendations for things I enjoy. Please feel free to check out my full policy/disclaimers!

Anyone who knows me knows that I’ve been talking about doing a Working Holiday Visa in Australia for years. Working Holiday Visas offer a chance to travel a country while working to supplement your adventures. What could be a better way of seeing a country as massive as Australia?

While I’ve been talking about it for years, I didn’t put a lot of effort into learning as much as possible about how to make it a reality. I kept putting it off and thinking that I had more time. But, these visas have age restrictions! That means you can’t get them forever. In this post, I will tell you about all of the steps I took to get a Working Holiday Visa and make my dream a reality. That way, you can make it a reality too!

Last year, I decided to finally buckle down and cross this item off of my bucket list. After a discussion with my partner, he decided that he would like to join me. And the adventure began!

If this is a bucket list item for you then there is no time like the present to get it done!

What You Need to Know About Australian Working Holiday Visas

Australia offers two different working holiday visas that sound very similar. One is the Australia Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and the other is the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462). The deciding factor in which visa you would choose is where you are from.

For example, I am from Canada so I am in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417.

If you are from any of these countries, you would be too:

Belgium

Canada

Republic of Cyprus

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Hong Kong

Republic of Ireland

Italy

Japan

Republic of Korea

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Sweden

Taiwan

United Kingdom

To be eligible for this visa you must meet the following requirements:

The applicant must be between the ages of 18-30 years old. Unless you happen to be from Ireland or Canada then the age is extended until 35 years old.

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your visa.

You have not previously had a Subclass 462 visa.

There is no one dependent on you (Like children).

The applicant must have good character and no criminal record. Or, Australian debts.

Finally, you must have $5000 to support yourself once you arrive.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

You’ll be looking at the Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462 if you are from:

Argentina

Austria

Chile

China, People’s Republic of

Czech Republic

Hungary

Indonesia

Israel

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Peru

Poland

Portugal

San Marino

Singapore

Slovak Republic

Slovenia

Spain

Thailand

Turkey

United States of America

Uruguay

Vietnam

The eligibility requirements are very similar for this visa and include:

Applicants must be between the ages of 18-30 years old.

Again, an eligible passport.

You may not have previously had a visa under subclass 417 (Discussed above).

No children!

Meet the education and English requirements. These may vary depending on your passport.

You must have the support of the government in your home country.

You must have a suitable amount of money to support yourself. For instance, $5000 and enough to buy a return ticket home.

Both of these visas will allow you to work and travel to Australia for up to 12 months. During that time, you are allowed to leave Australia and return as many times as you like. If working while on the visa you cannot have the same employer for more than six months.

The availability of this visa made it possible to cross this item off my bucket list. These visas exist for you to travel and work! How convenient.

Once I figured out which visa to get, the next hurdle was the application process.

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

Working Holiday Visa Application Process

At the time of writing, my visa fee was $450. This has to be paid at the time of the application. The Australian government’s website states that it can take up to 35 days to be approved for this visa. However, both my partner and I were accepted almost immediately.

That being said, I would apply ahead of time. I don’t know how consistent those visa processing times are. Once your visa is approved, you will have up to a year to enter the country. This means that you have plenty of time to apply before you leave.

What do you need to apply?

Your passport needs to be ready to go. You will need the passport number which you will be travelling with. If your passport needs to be renewed then you will have to have done this first.

The visa fees.

$5000 support funds. While proof of this wasn’t necessary, it is required to enter the country so make sure you have it by the time you leave if not the time you apply.

If you have been doing research on visas, you might have noticed that there are agencies willing to handle the application process for a fee. Honestly, the process is so easy that I don’t consider this a good use of money.

At one point, years ago, when I thought I would be solo moving here I did consider using Swap to arrange the visa for me. The reason I was thinking of going with them was on the ground support they offer. It can be handy for finding new friends. But, if you follow these steps then you really shouldn’t need help applying for the visa.

You might be wondering what questions are on the application. First, they will request your basic passport information. All of the answers to these questions can be found on the biodata page of your passport. But, it is basically just your name, passport number, expiry date and where the passport was issued.

There was a question about a health examination. I did not have one and I stated the fact but it didn’t appear to cause any issues.

They ask questions about your usual occupations at home and what work you might be looking for in Australia. Next up is your contact information and some standard health questions. Finally, they want to know if you have a criminal record.

And, that’s basically a wrap! Easy peezy. I printed out my approval form to bring to the airport with me just in case.

Final Thoughts:

There you have it! Here is one of the best ways of long-term travelling to Australia. I am so glad that I finally made the effort to get myself down here. It was well worth it. One of the first things that we did here was a Great Ocean Road trip.

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About Me

Hi, I'm Arielle and these are my adventures. I seek budget travel, good food, and authentic experiences all in the name of completing my bucket list. I love cats, books, and anything Harry Potter. You can expect to hear from me every second Tuesday with updates on my quest to complete my bucket list by 40 years old. Read More…